River Bend Times

The chances to reach moderate and major flood stages have increased since the first National Weather Service spring flood outlook. During the second outlook briefing on February 23, officials are now forecasting a 50 to 75% chance of reaching moderate flood stage, 16 FT, and a 50/50 chance of reaching major flood stage, 18 FT, between late March and mid-April. The change in forecast is primarily due to the volume of snowfall to the north over the past few weeks. The weather service mentioned, even though the overall risk of spring flooding is well above average on the Mississippi River, this does not guarantee that high-impact flooding will occur. The severity of any flooding will be determined by future precipitation events and the rate of snowmelt in the Upper Mississippi basin in the coming weeks.

With increased chances, the City will be closely monitoring river levels and is taking appropriate preparedness actions such as exercising gates and pumps, response refresher training, and inventory of flood fighting materials such as temporary barriers, sand, and sandbags. Property owners in the floodplain are encouraged to do the same. Key preparedness tips and information can be found at www.beprepareddavenport.com. The community can also sign-up for flood alerts at www.davenportiowa.com/alertiowa.

Watch for updates in the coming weeks as conditions change and the final spring flood outlook for the season is released on March 9.

02/10/23

Our friends at the National Weather Service issued the first of three spring flood outlook briefings on February 9. With probabilities ranging, at this time, from 10 to 25% for exceeding 18 FT in April, the National Weather Service reported an average risk for reaching 15 to 16 FT based on current snow water equivalent, frost depth, soil moisture, and forecast data. Although we may see little inconvenience or challenge from the Mississippi this year, keep in mind the forecast is early. Rest assured – the City is prepared for whatever comes our way.

As a resilient community, the City is preparing for all conditions that might arise by running through seasonal flood preparation activities. And, we encourage all property owners and business managers located in the floodplain to prepare too. Property owners can find a wealth of resources at www.beprepareddavenport.com.

As we prepare, we also want to draw property and business owners' attention to FEMA’s proposed Flood Insurance Rate maps. Find details at www.beprepareddavenort.com.

In the meantime, the City has been steadfast in its efforts to implement the City’s 2021/2022 Flood Resilience study. Requiring several years to implement, here are some current updates:

• As a priority separate from the resilience study, three projects to reduce flood risk at the regional Water Pollution Control Plant and neighboring Davenport Compost Facility are in varying stages. A southern berm is anticipated to begin construction early summer of 2023. As construction on the berm starts, the City expects to receive news on the status of a $3.8M BRIC grant that will construct a northern berm. Pending a grant application, the engineering and design of a third project to build a rail overpass and a new, higher-elevation access road to both facilities should begin this spring.
•  Phase II, clearing and repair, on Black Hawk and Walnut Creek berm repairs is in the planning stage. Work is expected to begin in the spring of 2023. Once complete, a new maintenance schedule will be implemented.
• The Union Station flood defense system project continues through the FEMA approval process.
• The City plans to resubmit an $18M+ RAISE grant for storm sewer improvements, and targeted road raises that will maintain access to River Drive through river stage 17.5 feet with little to no staff intervention/response, establish a permanent flood detour to river stage 22 feet once River Drive is closed due to flood waters, and keep access to the Centennial and Government Bridges open during flood events greater than 22 feet. After submitting the grant in 2022 and making it through several rounds, the City was informed it was not approved during that grant cycle; however, reviewers provided feedback to bolster a second submission in the spring of 2023.
• A project to perform storm sewer improvements to prevent flood waters from inundating the area of River Drive from 3rd Street to Carey Avenue and the intersection of River Drive and Marquette Street will both be released for bid in August of 2023.

Watch for updates as the National Weather Service releases its next flood forecasts.

Original source can be found here.